10 Quirky Statues and Legends of Brno

Brno is a walkable city where every corner hides a story. Most of these monuments are located within the historic center. You can easily see them all in one afternoon. Here are the most famous quirky statues and legends of Brno that you cannot miss.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: The Brno Dragon
• Best for families: The Brno Wheel
• Best rainy-day: The Old Town Hall Passage
• Best free: The Courage Statue

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Legend/Sight Why go: This is the city's most iconic symbol. Legend says it terrorized the locals until a brave butcher outsmarted it. In reality, it is a stuffed crocodile sent as a gift. Best for: Everyone Where: Old Town Hall passage Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square Tip: Check out the why is there a dragon in Brno guide for the full story.
2. Name: The Indecorous Little Man (Nehanba) Type: Statue Why go: Look up at the arches of St. James Church. You will see a small stone man showing his bare bottom toward the cathedral. It was a sculptor's revenge for a building delay. Best for: History lovers Where: St. James Church (Jakubské náměstí) Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: North of Freedom Square Tip: Read the story of the indecorous little man before you go.
3. Name: The Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: This black stone monument looks like a bullet or a phallus. It commemorates the city's defense against the Swedes. Every day at 11:00 AM, it releases a glass marble. Best for: Unique experiences Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Central tram stop Tip: Learn the meaning behind the clock to understand how to read the time.
4. Name: Courage (The Long-Legged Knight) Type: Statue Why go: This massive statue of Jobst of Luxembourg features a knight on a horse with incredibly long legs. It is a favorite spot for funny photos. Best for: Photographers Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Short walk from St. James Tip: Stand directly under the horse's head and look up for a surprising perspective.
5. Name: The Twisted Pinnacle Type: Legend/Sight Why go: Above the entrance to the Old Town Hall, one of the stone turrets is crooked. The architect was angry about not being paid, so he built it bent on purpose. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Old Town Hall Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Near the Cabbage Market Tip: This is located in the same passage as the Brno Dragon.
6. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Legend Why go: A wheel-maker once bet he could craft a wheel and roll it from Lednice to Brno in one day. He succeeded, and the wooden wheel still hangs in the Town Hall today. Best for: History buffs Where: Old Town Hall passage Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Central Brno Tip: Look for it right next to the Dragon.
7. Name: Justice Type: Statue Why go: This modern statue shows a man lifting a heavy block over a fountain. It represents the weight of justice and is located outside the court. Best for: Art lovers Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Near Moravské náměstí Tip: The water fountain is a popular spot for locals to cool off in summer.
8. Name: The Statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Type: Statue Why go: Mozart performed in Brno as a child. This statue shows him as a naked boy with a wig and one wing, balancing on a harpsichord. Best for: Music fans Where: In front of the Reduta Theatre Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Cabbage Market Tip: The Reduta is one of the oldest theaters in Central Europe.
9. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Sight Why go: This Baroque fountain is full of mythical creatures and hidden symbols. It sits in the heart of the historic market square. Best for: General sightseeing Where: Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the main station Tip: Visit the Zelny trh market for fresh snacks while you explore.
10. Name: The Ghost of the Capuchin Crypt Type: Experience Why go: While not a statue, the mummified monks are a legendary part of Brno's dark history. Their bodies were preserved naturally by the airflow in the basement. Best for: Dark tourism Where: Capuchin Square Time: 45 minutes Cost: Small entry fee Getting there: Near the Cabbage Market Tip: Check out other Brno underground attractions for more spooky sites.

Planning Your Quirky Brno Walking Tour

Exploring these quirky statues and legends of Brno is easy because the city center is compact. You can see most of these sites on foot within two or three hours. Start at the Main Railway Station and head toward the Cabbage Market. This route takes you past the dragon, the wheel, and the Mozart statue.

If you prefer not to walk, the local tram system is excellent. You can find schedules and tickets on the DPMB official site. Most trams stop at Freedom Square, which is the heart of the action. This is where you will find the famous astronomical clock.

For a break, look for some local favorites in Brno to grab a coffee. The city is famous for its vibrant cafe culture. Many cafes are located right next to the major statues. This allows you to people-watch while you admire the art.

Visiting in 2026 offers many opportunities for guided tours. Many local guides offer specialized walks focused on the quirky statues and legends of Brno. These tours often include hidden courtyards you might miss on your own. Always check the weather, as most of these monuments are outdoors.

Why Brno Loves Its Strange Monuments

You might wonder why there are so many quirky statues and legends of Brno. The city has a long history of being the "underdog" compared to Prague. This has created a unique local identity rooted in humor and irony. Residents take pride in their strange monuments because they spark conversation.

Modern artists are often commissioned to create new works that challenge tradition. The Courage statue and the Astronomical Clock are perfect examples of this. They blend historical themes with abstract, modern designs. This makes the city feel like an open-air gallery of the unexpected.

The official tourism portal Go To Brno often highlights these oddities. They understand that travelers today want more than just old cathedrals. They want stories that are memorable and a bit weird. This approach has made Brno a top destination for those seeking authentic experiences.

Preserving these legends is also a way to keep history alive. Every child in Brno knows the story of the dragon and the wheel. By turning these stories into physical statues, the city ensures its folklore remains part of daily life. It is a strategy that continues to attract visitors from all over the world.